"This is by far the most northerly catch in the Mississippi River," said Department of Natural Resources communications director Chris Niskanen.

Tim Schlagenhaft of the DNR's Mississippi River Team said it's disappointing but unsurprising evidence that Asian carp continue to move up the Mississippi.

Silver carp are classified by the DNR as a prohibited invasive species along with bighead carp. Both species were imported from China in the 1960s and 70s, the Winona Daily News said. By the 1980s, the Asian carp had escaped into open waters in southern states.

Asian carp eat large amounts of plankton and aquatic plants, out-competing native fish species. Silver carp also pose a safety hazard as they jump out of the water when watercraft, possibly injuring boaters.

Testing last year indicated the presence of Silver Carp DNA in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers in the Twin Cities area, though no live Asian carp have been found, the Tribune said.